Major Gifts Officer – Associate Director of Development

University of Pennsylvania

. Develop understanding of Penn Medicine's educational, research, clinical, and financial needs and goals .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $77,330 - $100,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, donor relationship management, and strategic communication. Proficient in developing compelling proposals and stewardship strategies while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingDonor Relationship ManagementProposal DevelopmentProject ManagementExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategiesDonor-Centered CultivationContent DevelopmentMoves Management SystemFundraising ProposalsStewardship StrategiesEvent CoordinationData TrackingHigh-Quality Written MaterialsAudience-Appropriate Communications

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingAdaptabilityIntegrityCollaborationIndependence

Tools & Technologies

Donor DatabasesCRM SystemsFundraising Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of ArtsValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Institutional DevelopmentPhilanthropic OpportunitiesHigher EducationCommunity EngagementVolunteer Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop understanding of Penn Medicine's educational, research, clinical, and financial needs and goals
Articulate Penn Medicine's history, achievements, and strategic direction to diverse audiences
Grow and manage a major gift portfolio of 100+ donor prospects
Manage donor activity and engage donors toward major and leadership gifts
Build and sustain relationships with constituents, faculty, donors, and volunteer leaders
Develop donor-centered cultivation and solicitation strategies
Coordinate faculty, administration, trustees, volunteers, and development staff to achieve unit goals
Champion philanthropic opportunities aligned with donor intent and institutional impact
Lead development of major gift proposals, cultivation and solicitation materials, stewardship pieces, and e-communications
Write content directly and/or manage content development, design, and production
Plan and coordinate donor and prospect visits, meetings, engagement activities, and special events
Develop personalized stewardship strategies
Report regularly to the Senior Director of Development for UPHS Life Cycle
Track and report fundraising activity through the major gifts tracking, reporting, and moves management system
Cultivate and steward relationships with foundations and philanthropic partners
Collaborate with University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine leadership and development colleagues on assigned prospects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts required
3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional development or a related field
Experience cultivating major gifts from individuals and organizations
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Advanced degree highly desirable
Ability to function independently within a centralized development structure
Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals and manage donor, faculty, and volunteer relationships
Ability to work effectively with faculty, academic and administrative leaders, and community leaders
Excellent writing and communication skills
Ability to develop polished, compelling, audience-appropriate donor communications, fundraising proposals, and leadership communications
Ability to produce accurate, high-quality written materials efficiently under tight deadlines
Strong administrative experience and project management skills
Ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize an approach to achieving fundraising goals
Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels
High integrity and trustworthiness; comfortable serving as a role model for professional and support staff
Ability to distill information from multiple sources into strategically effective core messages
Adaptability to rapidly changing environments
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, and fundraising software
Ability to travel locally and nationally
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
Valid driver's license required
Resume and cover letter required for consideration
Background check may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Free and discounted admission and memberships to Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
Discounts on goods and services, including transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household